Seth Kinker

Classroom

Seth Kinker is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection (2016-17) and was named an OSU Scholar-Athlete in 2016.

Character

Associate Head Coach and Pitching Coach Mike Stafford had the following to say about Kinker: “Kinker is from a small town in West Virginia and came in as a two-way player. We made him into a pitcher, and he is a highly-competitive person and wants the ball all the time in big situations. He’s already ready to perform even if he threw 40 pitches the day before. Kinker is the guy the coaching staff wants on the mound in close games and has been the anchor of an experienced Buckeye bullpen. He’s also very versatile and was used as a starter when the team’s rotation was dealing with injuries in 2017. Kinker makes everyone better by leading by example and has had the most consistent numbers each season since joining the team in 2015. He pushes his teammates to the best of their ability. He’s a laid-back guy in the clubhouse but brings out that “bulldog” personality when he’s locked in on the mound.”

Community

Kinker has taken part in numerous community service events including Kick it for Cancer (2015-17), reading to elementary children in the Columbus area the last four years with 2nd and Seven Foundation, and participating in the Bucks Go Pro event in summer of 2017. He also provided service for Meals on Wheels in Columbus by preparing the meals at the association’s kitchen and helped to make blankets during his freshman and sophomore years at the Medical Center for the city mission of Columbus.

Competition

Kinker was named to the 2017 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List and the 2017 Big Ten Players to Watch List. He is 9-3 with a 2.40 carer ERA with 118 strikeouts in 135.0 IP in three seasons. He has appeared in 79 career games, which is tied for 10th in OSU history, and also has nine career saves. This past season, he went 3-1 with a 2.95 ERA and seven saves. In his sophomore season, he went 6-1 with a 1.65 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 54.2 innings pitched, helping guide the team to the 2016 Big Ten Tournament title and NCAA Regional appearance. He posted a 2.82 ERA in 17 appearances as a true freshman in 2015.